By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was quite unfamiliar for my previously shy and introverted self. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and fun. But what insights has this year given me, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was making friends. This is often one of the most challenging elements of starting at university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might pose a significant worry. On my initial day moving in, several days prior to classes commencing, I ended up spending the entire day in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, today I can say with assurance that I’ve established some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what lesson did I take away? I realized that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an atmosphere can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several strategies helped me overcome this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you struggle to grasp something, it’s highly likely that others do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and instructors!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain consistent communication with us concerning our difficulties. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the academic year, but I regret not utilizing it earlier. Initially, I took a chance by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much assistance!
All in all, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated with the various resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed that I am never alone and has taught me how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.